Rainwear

When choosing rainwear, most buyers look at a single number and end up with the wrong product.

EN 343, the standard for clothing that protects against rain, gives two numbers. The first is the waterproofness class (1–4). The second is the breathability (Ret) class, and here too the higher the better. A garment chosen on the first number alone keeps the rain out perfectly, but sweat builds up inside; staff who walk and do physical work get wet from the inside, not the outside, after a few hours and take it off.

The rule is simple: in active work the second number matters at least as much as the first. For teams who stand at a fixed point (inspection, security, marshalling) the first number comes first.

The second deciding detail is seam taping. Waterproof fabric alone is not enough — stitch holes let water through. In a quality garment the seams are taped on the inside; in an untaped garment water leaks through the shoulder and sleeve seams even if the fabric itself is waterproof. This is the most decisive yet least visible difference between cheap and expensive rainwear.

Choose the product by exposure time. For teams caught in occasional showers, rain trousers or a suit with a short jacket are enough and can be kept in the vehicle as a spare. For teams who spend hours in the rain, a suit with a long jacket is preferred: the long jacket covers the waistline, so no gap opens when staff bend — exactly the weak point of trousers. For short and emergency use, a poncho is a practical spare.

Two practical rules: rain trousers are worn over the boot, not tucked in — tucked in, the running water goes straight into the boot. And side-zip models get used on site, because they can be put on without taking off footwear.

Where visibility is also required, the reflective oxford rain suit is made in fluorescent yellow and orange with reflective tape. The logo is printed; embroidery punctures the coating and breaks waterproofing, so we do not recommend it.

Let us be clear about certification: the products in this category are not EN 343 or EN ISO 20471 certified. A certificate is issued by a notified body for a specific tested product; if your specification requires certified PPE, state it at the start of the project.

Mars Wear manufactures to order at its own production facility in Zeytinburnu, Istanbul, with its own design team. Our minimum order is 100 pieces and our standard lead time is 15 working days; we ship within Türkiye and abroad.